All-Ireland SFC Semi-final/Kerry v Derry: Up to yesterday morning, Kerry had not played consistently over 70 minutes, but they put that right. It was their best display of the championship so far and, not only did they win in style, but they produced a genuine team effort.

The contest may have been somewhat predictable, but confirmation was provided that there is not an overwhelming reliance on Darragh Ó Sé or Séamus Moynihan.

There was at least nine outstanding performers and no weak link in the team. Kerry showed they could cope.

The difference between the two sides was glaring. In this game, more than any before, Kerry's intentions were obvious from the start. We saw Darragh Ó Sé moving forward straight away and kicking a point. Normally, he would be more defensively minded.

That set the tone early on that they were going to take on Derry.

Also, collectively, they defended well. When other players see even Colm Cooper and Mike Frank Russell putting in tackles and chasing back it inspires the whole team. All this work means the opposition are hindered at the source.

Paul Galvin epitomised everything positive about a team player by dragging his body all over the place. He was my man of the match. In contrast to the Derry players, Galvin performs the role of a half forward excellently. He is willing and able to work his socks off. Yesterday, there was a bit of everything from him - be it defending, supporting ball carriers or quality ball usage.

For the 70 minutes, Derry battled hard. They won the aerial duel in the middle of the field through Fergal Doherty and Patsy Bradley, but lost it on the deck in the breaking ball stakes.

And, as expected, they were one-dimensional up front and relied solely on long ball into Enda Muldoon and Paddy Bradley. The Kerry full-back line were ready for them and Mike McCarthy and Tom O'Sullivan showed up well.

To be genuine challengers, Derry needed to find a few extra scoring options. Their half forwards were far too defensive and inept in their attacking duties. They didn't back up the two primary attackers. They were weak at supporting and tended to play very deep.

This stand offish attitude allowed Tomas Ó Sé, in particular, and Aidan O'Mahony to get forward on free runs to support the attack. There is no stress on a half back if his man is playing defensively and it allows you freedom. Strangely, no one tagged these runs.

All over the pitch the Kerry support and movement was very fluid. Every time the man in possession looked up there was several options. They made it look easy, whereas Derry were laboured.

Kerry's strength lies in the ability to vary the attacking options. Another positive was the surging runs of Eoin Brosnan and Declan O'Sullivan. Brosnan is a pure athlete and it's very difficult to stop him legally.

Then there was the willow-the-wisp inside (Cooper), who needed constant attention - although he was well marshalled by Kevin McGuckian. Along with the midfielders, the Derry full-back line were the shining lights.

Last week, a lot was said about Mike Frank Russell being dropped. Apparently, he had been lazy in training, but Mike Frank is a gem of a forward. Maybe it was just a wake-up call and I think he answered it perfectly. He is a scoring forward. Very accurate off two feet. I would expect him to start in the final - which will ensure training stays ultra competitive in the next four weeks.

Also, having Moynihan back in the fold will have all six backs on their toes. Darragh's injury doesn't seem to serious, but ankle injuries tend to last. The Mayo boys are big around midfield so Jack O'Connor will be very keen to have him back.

However, I think they proved this year that they are resilient. They don't panic anymore and knuckle down when faced with adversity.